John Murray enters guilty pleas on multiple charges

A St. John’s man was sentenced to 30 months in prison Thursday for theft, assault and several breaches of court orders.

John Murray, 32, entered guilty pleas on two charges of theft, one count of assault, three breaches of probation, eight breaches of court orders and two counts of failing to appear in court.

The charges date back to August 2012, when Murray entered the Shoppers Drug Mart on Freshwater Road, took three sandwiches and left without paying. He returned later that evening and took a bottle of water.

Murray was identified via the store’s security video, where he was recognized as a former client of a store pharmacist.

Other charges were laid after Murray filled shopping bags at the Ropewalk Lane Sobeys and brandished a utility knife at a security guard who asked to see a receipt.

Murray had originally intended to stand trial, but elected to plead guilty for speedy disposition of the charges.

Crown and defence attorneys submitted a joint recommendation of 30 months minus 131 days of time served. Defence attorney Stephen Orr told Judge Lois Skanes that Murray hoped to take advantage of federal programs to prevent him from re-offending when he leaves prison. Murray was also given a lifetime firearms ban.

“You’re not a lost cause yet,” said Skanes, adding that Murray has many years ahead of him.

After sentencing him, Skanes wished him luck and added she hoped it would be the last time he was in court.

HBG

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Quick question - 03/31/2015

A Corner Brook woman was upset recently when she had her seal skin purse confiscated by customs officials when entering the United States — she was unaware of a U.S. ban on seal product entering that country. Are you aware of the ban?